United Way achieves goal

Contributions reach all-time high $445,000

Corrie Scott, director of the Moffat County United Way, said she's rarely surprised at the community's generosity in supporting local health and human service programs. Still, the latest figures from a recent fundraising drive got her attention.

"We're at about $445,000," Scott said. "If all of (the contributions) come through, this will be the biggest pledge we've ever received."

On Monday, Scott calculated some rough figures and learned that United Way exceeded its $415,000 goal by about $30,000. The fundraising drive began in September and ended Nov. 17.

The money goes to support close to 50 service organizations, including the most popular groups earmarked for contributions, the Visiting Nurse Association, Horizons Specialized Services, Advocates Crisis Support Services and the Northwest Colorado Dental Coalition.

The community responds with overwhelming financial support, Scott said.

"It's awesome," she said. "Every year we raise (the goal) to offset the increase in requests and every year I think, 'how much is our community willing to give?' Yet they always support us. ... I know I've said this before, but it's true -- this community is so generous and supportive."

Twenty-four businesses contributed to the fundraising drive, equaling between 1,200 to 1,400 total donors. The businesses donating the most funds are:

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association -- $82,772.

Twenty Mile Coal Company -- $77,500

Colowyo Coal Company -- $74,485

Trapper Mining Company -- $70,080

Excel Energy -- $29,649

All told, the five companies raised $334,486, or about 75 percent of the $445,000 total.

The campaign drive entails employees setting aside a designated amount of money per pay period to contribute to the United Way. Often, companies withdraw set amounts from the paychecks of employees who choose to contribute. Many companies also choose to match the employees' donation.

"It all starts with the employees," Scott said. "When the employees give, the companies usually match dollar for dollar. We wouldn't have the support we have without the employees."